PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR 3 - 79996

This position requires a criminal background check. You may be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.

About the Role

The Tennessee Department of Health's (TDH) Division of Family Health and Wellness (FHW) is hiring a Public Health Program Director 3 to provide strategic leadership and oversight for Tennessee's Child Fatality Review (CFR), Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR), and Rural Fetal and Infant Health Initiative (RFIHI) programs. This position is responsible for overseeing statewide implementation of these programs through strategic planning, federal grant and contract management, quality improvement, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation.

The Director will guide evidence-based initiatives within these programs, including Safe Sleep, Count the Kicks, the Infant Health Strategic Action Collaborative (IHSAC), and other maternal and infant health initiatives to reduce fetal, infant, and child mortality. This position reports to the Perinatal and Infant Health Section Chief.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Tennessee's Child Fatality Review (CFR), Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR), and Rural Fetal and Infant Health Initiative (RFIHI) programs.
• Supervise program staff and oversee statewide program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
• Develop and implement long-range strategies to reduce fetal, infant, and child mortality through evidence-based public health practice.
• Oversee initiatives implemented within the programs, including Safe Sleep, Count the Kicks, the Infant Health Strategic Action Collaborative (IHSAC), and other maternal and infant health initiatives.
• Oversee the development and publication of Tennessee's Annual Child Fatality Review Report, using statewide child death review findings to identify trends, inform prevention strategies, and support data-driven policy and program improvements.
• Manage federal and state grants, contracts, budgets, work plans, performance measures, and required reports.
• Monitor program expenditures and contract performance to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Monitor the 5-year Rural Fetal and Infant Health Initiative to assure compliance with CMS requirements and state implementation policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Tennessee statutes governing Child Fatality Review and Fetal and Infant Mortality Review, including preparation of legislatively required reports.
• Utilize surveillance data, fatality review findings, and program evaluation results to guide strategic planning and statewide prevention efforts.
• Provide technical assistance and training to local review teams, healthcare providers, local health departments, hospitals, and community partners.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with state agencies, healthcare organizations, universities, and community-based organizations to strengthen maternal, infant, and child health systems.
• Represent the Department at statewide and national meetings, advisory groups, and collaborative initiatives.
• Conduct policy analysis and develop recommendations to improve maternal, infant, and child health outcomes.
• Identify funding opportunities and support the development of grant applications to expand program impact.

Requirements

Education and experience differ for this executive service classification based on the needs of the department. This may include:

• A Bachelor's degree in a health or science field.
• A Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Health Administration, or Health Planning.
• Experience with statewide leadership or directing all functions of a health program as a whole.